Knighthood for Conservative election strategist sparks criticism
The Labour party has criticized the government for awarding a knighthood to Conservative general elections strategist Lynton Crosby.
The decision to knight Crosby was “not the best use of the system,” the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, said. “The government is turning the honors system into an old boy’s club.”
Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham has referred the New Year honor to the Tory’s political strategist as “outrageous”.
Lynton is among a number of politicians, party workers and civil servants in the New Year Honors list. Ex-Lib Dem Energy Secretary Ed Davey also knighted. Labour chief whip Rosie Winterton received damehood.
Australia-born Lynton was credited with masterminding the Conservatives' 2015 general election victory. He previously worked as campaign director for Australia's Liberal Prime Minister John Howard. He worked on the Conservatives' unsuccessful 2005 election and later helped Boris Johnson win successive mayoral elections in London.
Cabinet Office Minister Matthew Hancock previously defended the award, calling Lynton a "great public servant".
But Labour MP Graham Jones has criticized the system. “The honors system is supposed to recognize dedicated public service, not simply be a vehicle to reward Tory cronies and donors," he said.
A Conservative MP, Mark Garnier, has also criticized the ward to Lynton saying he felt "uncomfortable" about politicians being honored in general.
Anyone can nominate somebody for an honor, with nominations considered by the Honors Committee. The committee's decisions go to the prime minister and then the Queen, who awards the honors.
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